The JHS Pedals / Keeley Electronics Steak and Eggs is a 2-in-1 overdrive and compressor pedal, announced in July 2015 as a collaboration between Josh Scott of JHS Pedals in Kansas City and Robert Keeley of Keeley Electronics in Edmond, Oklahoma. It puts a modified Keeley Compressor on the right and a modified JHS Morning Glory overdrive on the left, both in one enclosure1. JHS has a history of food-themed collaboration pedals, and its own history article names the Steak and Eggs alongside the Muffaletta as examples2.
Two modified circuits in one box
The Steak and Eggs takes two of each maker's most familiar pedals and changes them for this package. Premier Guitar's announcement described the right side as "a modified classic Keeley compressor and the left side is a modified JHS Pedals Morning Glory overdrive", and noted that "Each of these modded circuits can only be found in this package!"1. Pedal of the Day's review, written by Mike B, called it "a 2-in-1 from two of the most popular pedal companies out there right now", and summed up the pairing this way:
"having these two gems in one enclosure, with a couple cool add-ons, makes for one hell of a musical ride"
Controls
Each side carries the controls of the pedal it is based on, with additions unique to this version31.
| Side | Controls | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor (right) | Sustain, Level, Blend | Three knobs in this version; the Blend knob is new to the modified Keeley circuit13 |
| Overdrive (left) | Volume, Tone, Drive | The usual drive controls, plus a high gain switch3 |
| Whole pedal | Order toggle switch | Lets the user decide which side goes first or second in the chain3 |
The compressor side differs from the original Keeley Compressor in two ways: it gains the Blend knob, which Premier Guitar's announcement flagged as the headline change, and it runs a faster release time. Pedal of the Day described the result as "producing that Keeley warmth and sustain while retaining excellent note clarity"3.
The high gain switch and the order toggle
Two features set the Steak and Eggs apart from simply putting a compressor and an overdrive side by side31:
- High gain switch (overdrive side): an improved version of the higher gain Morning Glory circuit that appeared on the State Line, with "more power, punch and dirt" according to Pedal of the Day3.
- Order toggle switch: "letting YOU decide which side goes first or second in the pedal chain", so the compressor can sit before or after the overdrive, with different results each way3.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the pedal in March 2016, with a review unit sent over by Josh and JHS, and came away positive: "you know you're getting a quality pedal that's going to provide incredible tone for years"3. The review framed the appeal as having two of the most used and talked about effects on the market in one box, with the added features on top3.
For players comparing compressors, JHS's own compressor line includes the Pulp N' Peel V4 and the Whitey Tighty, and Keeley's compressor range continues separately; see the site's pages on compressor pedals and overdrive pedals for how each effect type works on its own.
Videos
Chicago Music Exchange
Chicago Music Exchange
Eirik Stordrange
Questions
Which pedals is the Steak and Eggs based on?
It combines two pedals from the two collaborating makers: the right side is a modified classic Keeley compressor, and the left side is a modified JHS Pedals Morning Glory overdrive. Both circuits were changed for this package, and each modified version can only be found in the Steak and Eggs itself.
Can I choose which side comes first?
Yes. The pedal has an order toggle switch that lets you decide whether the compressor or the overdrive goes first in the chain. Running the two circuits in different orders produces different results, so you can set it up to taste.
Who designed the Steak and Eggs?
It was designed as a collaboration between Josh Scott of JHS Pedals in Kansas City and Robert Keeley of Keeley Electronics in Edmond, Oklahoma. Premier Guitar described it at announcement as a pair of modified essentials from the two builders.
What does the high gain switch do?
On the Morning Glory side, the high gain switch adds more power, punch and dirt. Pedal of the Day described it as an even more improved version of the higher gain Morning Glory circuit that first appeared on the State Line.
Is the Steak and Eggs two pedals in one box?
Yes. It is a 2-in-1 overdrive and compressor pedal that puts both circuits in a single enclosure, with added features such as the order toggle, the high gain switch and a new Blend knob on the compressor side.
Sources (3)
- JHS & Keeley Launch Steak and Eggs Pedal Combo, Premier Guitar, 2015-07-14
- PEDALS VS FOOD, JHS Pedals
- JHS Pedals / Keeley Electronics Steak and Eggs Overdrive Compressor, Pedal of the Day, 2016-03-19
